Chicken mite – how to get rid of it? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide to the birds and thoroughly clean the coop, removing all bedding, dust, and debris, then treat perches and nesting boxes with a residual spray. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to interrupt the mite life cycle.
Chicken mite – how to get rid of it? - in detail
Chicken mites (also called poultry red mites) are tiny blood‑feeding parasites that hide in cracks, perches, nests and litter. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult stages; each stage can survive for several weeks without a host, which makes eradication difficult without a systematic approach.
Effective control starts with accurate detection. Look for small, red‑brown specks on the bird’s skin, especially around the vent and under the wings, and for increased scratching, anemia or reduced egg production. Use a white piece of paper or a sticky trap placed near a roost at night; mites will drop onto the surface, confirming infestation.
Prevention relies on sanitation and environmental management. Remove all organic debris, replace or deep‑clean litter weekly, and repair cracks in coops and nesting boxes. Provide dust‑bathing areas with dry sand or wood ash, which encourages natural grooming behavior and can reduce mite loads.
When an outbreak is confirmed, implement an integrated treatment plan:
- Chemical acaricides – apply permethrin, pyrethrin or carbaryl sprays according to label directions; repeat after 7‑10 days to target newly emerged mites.
- Systemic medications – administer ivermectin or milbemycin in water or feed; dosage must follow veterinary guidance.
- Physical methods – spread diatomaceous earth or silica dust in roosts and litter; reapply after each cleaning cycle.
- Heat treatment – raise coop temperature to 120 °F (49 °C) for at least 30 minutes; this kills all life stages but requires careful monitoring to avoid harming birds.
- Biological control – introduce predatory beetles (e.g., Hypoaspis miles) that feed on mite eggs and larvae; effectiveness varies with environmental conditions.
After treatment, maintain strict biosecurity: quarantine new birds for at least two weeks, limit visitor access, and disinfect equipment with a 1 % bleach solution. Conduct weekly inspections for at least three months, as residual eggs can hatch long after the initial treatment.
If infestations persist despite these measures, consult a veterinarian for a tailored protocol, which may include stronger prescription acaricides or alternative systemic drugs. Continuous monitoring and regular coop maintenance remain the cornerstone of long‑term mite suppression.